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Reset iPhone

How to restart, force restart, or reset any iPhone model

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Learn how to restart or force restart your iPhone — and what to do if restarting doesn’t fix the issue.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

  • To restart an iPhone, hold down the side button and one of the volume buttons, then drag the Slide to power off slider when it appears onscreen.
  • If restarting doesn’t work, you can trigger a "force restart" by pressing Volume Up, Volume Down, and then Power.
  • As a last resort, you can fix almost any glitch by resetting your iPhone.

You shouldn’t have to turn off your iPhone very often. If you’re not going to use it for a few hours, it’s not worth the hassle (and minuscule battery life savings) to shut it down.

But, if you know you’re not going to use your phone for a couple of days, or on a very long international flight, and you want to save every last ounce of battery life, shutting it down can be an effective option.

And if your iPhone is so bugged that you can’t even restart it, a force restart works just as well. This method "forces" your iPhone to turn off, even if it’s frozen.

Here’s how to restart or force restart any iPhone — and what to do if restarting doesn’t fix the issue.

How to restart an iPhone

The exact steps to restart your iPhone will depend on what model you have.

Quick tip: The button we call the Power button is also sometimes called the Lock button or the Side button.

Restart an iPhone X, iPhone XR, iPhone XS, iPhone 11, iPhone 12, iPhone 13, iPhone 14, iPhone 15, or iPhone 16

  1. Hold down the side button and one of the volume buttons until a set of sliders appear onscreen.
  2. Drag the Slide to power off slider all the way to the right.
  3. Wait about 30 seconds for your iPhone to completely power down. It may not take that long.
  4. Once the screen is completely black (i.e. there’s no glow), hold the side button until you see an Apple logo.
  5. Let go of the button, and wait for the homescreen to appear.

Restart an iPhone SE, iPhone 8, or earlier

  1. Hold down the power button until a set of sliders appear onscreen.
  2. Drag the Slide to power off slider all the way to the right.
  3. Wait about 30 seconds for your iPhone to completely power down. It may not take that long.
  4. Once the screen is completely black (i.e. there’s no glow), hold the power button until you see an Apple logo.
  5. Let go of the button, and wait for the homescreen to appear.

How to force restart an iPhone

When your iPhone’s screen is black or frozen and not responding, a normal restart might not work for the simple reason that your iPhone has gotten itself in such a state that it fails to recognize you holding down the power and volume buttons — or your silent prayers. If your iPhone is unresponsive and won’t restart the usual way, then a force restart can bring it back to life. Fear not: a force-restart does not erase anything on your iPhone.

Again, the steps will change depending on which iPhone you own.

Force restart an iPhone 8, iPhone SE (2nd and 3rd generations), iPhone X, iPhone XR, iPhone XS, iPhone 11, iPhone 12, iPhone 13, iPhone 14, iPhone 15, or iPhone 16

  1. Press and release the volume-up button.
  2. Press and release the volume-down button.
  3. Press and hold the side button until the screen turns off and then turns back on. You can release the side button when the Apple logo appears.

Force restart an iPhone 7

Press and hold both the volume-down button and the side button until you see the Apple logo.

Force restart an iPhone SE (1st generation), iPhone 6, or earlier

Press and hold both the sleep/wake button and the home button until you see the Apple logo.

How to reset an iPhone

If you’ve restarted and force restarted your iPhone but it’s still not working, resetting the device to its factory settings may solve the problem. For details on how to factory reset your iPhone, see this Apple support article.

How to reset the network settings on your iPhone

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Learn how to reset network settings on your iPhone and what happens when you do.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

  • To reset the network settings on your iPhone, navigate to the "Reset" menu in the Settings app.
  • A network settings reset will erase all internet and network-related data stored on your iPhone.
  • Turning Airplane Mode on and off, restarting your iPhone, restarting your router, and reconnecting to WiFi can help resolve internet connectivity issues without having to do a network settings reset.

An internet connection is vital to many of the iPhone’s features and functions, from sending emails to checking the weather. If you find that your iPhone isn’t able to access the internet, even if it looks like it’s connected to WiFi or mobile data, a network settings reset may be necessary.

Here’s everything you need to know about resetting your network settings on iPhone.

What happens when you reset your network settings on iPhone

This is not a complete removal of your settings and content. But the following will occur:

  • Your saved Wi-Fi names and passwords will be deleted.
  • Custom DNS settings, if any, will be deleted.
  • Cellular preferences will be removed. Your cellular data usage will be reset (Settings > Cellular > Usage).
  • Bluetooth preferences will be deleted. All of your saved paired connections will be removed.
  • If you are using a VPN, your VPN settings (server names, passwords, etc.) will be deleted.
  • Your iPhone name (Settings > General > About) will be reset to the default, which is iPhone.

What Reset Network Settings does not do

  • Your content will not be deleted. This means that, for example:
    • Your photos, videos, files or folders, etc., will stay.
    • Your email and email accounts will stay.
    • Your messages will stay.
  • Your other settings will not be changed. These include, but are not limited to:
    • Home screen layout.
    • Location and privacy settings.
    • Apple Pay cards.
    • Your app settings.
    • Your iCloud or Apple ID settings.
    • Your sound settings (notifications, etc.).
    • Display settings (wallpaper, etc.).
  • Phone calls, the ability to send texts or iMessages, and other classic telephone services are not affected. These are already pre-configured.

When to Reset Network Settings

All reset options, including the network one, are a last resort after you have done other troubleshooting steps (I list some below) without success. The most common reason for resetting network settings is to fix network connection problems. These may include, but are not limited to:

  • If you cannot connect to Wi-Fi. For example, if you cannot use services that require an active Internet connection, such as browsing the web or using FaceTime.
  • If you are having cellular issues. For example, if you see no service, searching or SOS on your screen.
  • If you cannot make or receive phone calls.

What to try before you reset your network settings

Before you reset your network settings, first try  completing a few troubleshooting steps. Some of the general strategies for fixing network problems include:

  • Turning your iPhone off and on
  • Turning Airplane mode on and off.
  • Updating to the latest version of iOS
  • Restarting your modem or router.
  • Forgetting and reconnecting to your WiFi network.

How to reset network settings on your iPhone

Finally, if you’re still having issues connecting to the internet, reset your network settings.

  1. Open the Settings app.
  2. Tap General.
  3. Scroll down to the bottom of the page and tap Transfer or Reset iPhone.
  4. Tap Reset.
  5. Tap Reset Network Settings.
  6. Enter your passcode if prompted, then tap Reset Network Settings to confirm your choice.

Reset Network Settings to Fix Connectivity Problems on Your iPhone

Whether you’re facing issues with your Wi-Fi or cellular data connection, you can reset your iPhone’s network settings to fix the problem within seconds. It only takes a couple of minutes and is a quick process.

This solution is effective most of the time, but remember that doing this will remove all the saved Wi-Fi networks and paired devices, and you will have to connect to them again manually, which will take some time.